Lighting
is key element of effective interior design.
Without proper lighting, a space is not complete.
It is not an afterthought, but a vital element
of your home environment.
Expensive
fabrics, stylish furniture and vibrant colors
are wasted if lighting is not included in
the overall plan or scheme. Without proper
lighting, a room can look one-dimensional.
You can showcase certain features in a room
with the proper lighting.
Lighting
can create ambience or a mood. Drama, restfulness
and coziness can all be achieved with a careful
selection from a wide range of products.
GUIDELINES
FOR LIGHTING
A
number of factors should be considered when
planning your lighting. They include:
PLANNING
YOUR LIGHTING
Following
are questions to consider when planning your
lighting
1. The functions of the
room
What
is the room used for? Are there different
tasks/functions performed in one room? Ensure
there is enough light for each individual
task.
2.
Less is more
Lighting
that is strategically placed and serves its
purpose is better than having extra lights
that serve no purpose.
3. Write a lighting plan
You need to consider existing
(or new) placement of electrical boxes,
switches and outlets.
4. Research
Visit stores and browse
catalogues, magazines, and the Internet.
Research will provide insight into the type
of lights and lighting available, what type
of light they provide, and how they look.
If you are purchasing lights, it is best
to purchase them in your own country to
ensure you meet local electrical and lighting
regulations and standards.
5. Mix the lighting
a) Mix the types of light
fixtures. For example, one of many possible
combinations is a hanging pendant, track
lighting, and floor lamp.
b) Mix the types of lighting
(e.g. halogen and incandescent).
6. Change the lighting
Changing the lighting throughout
a home can be a less expensive way of updating
and remodeling with the overall purpose
of having enough light for all areas. You
can do this one room at a time.
7. Ambience
Lighting can give a room
ambience and/or make the ambience of the
room come alive. Colors, textures and shapes
are enhanced with proper lighting.
8. Change one fixture
Sometimes, changing one
fixture can make all the difference. Changing
the type of bulb can also create a completely
different look. It can also provide more
usable light, depending on the light fixture.
Good
quality artificial lighting can make a space
brighter, add color quality, enhance a room
and its objects, and create a warm or cool
feel to the space. It makes all the difference
in the functionality, ambience and beauty
of a room.
Loretta Slater-Ramsey A.D.I.D. is a designer/ project manager
with 25 years of experience, covering all
disciplines of design with expertise in residential,
show homes, office, light commercial, retail
and new home customer selections. With a proven
track record & professional attitude,
Loretta takes pride on carefully guiding her
clients through a step-by-step creative process
- to achieve total customer satisfaction.
Contact Loretta at: thecreativedesigner@hotmail.com
